Choosing the Best Photo for your Online Dating Profile

I have swiped left hundreds of times. Sometimes it would take 4 seconds. If it was really bad, it would barely take a second.

According to the Telegraph, the human attention span is shorter than a goldfish. Since smartphones have entered into our lives, humans attention span averages to 8 seconds while goldfish are believed to have 9!

That means the person reviewing your picture will have up to 8 seconds before they decide to swipe left, swipe right, or look at your other pictures before they review your profile copy.

Think about it. You do it too.

Online dating is online marketing. The first impression that they get of you is your main picture. Think about the profile as a digital advertisement of why you would make a great wifey/hubby/date. Here are some tips to help with your selection.

1. Let’s see those pearly whites

Try choosing a headshot smiling with your teeth and with your eyes open. Smiling makes you look approachable and inviting. It’s ok if you’re usually uncomfortable about showing your pearly whites. Many people are, but are unaware that when they are truly happy, they are smiling, mouth open and eyes gleaming. The next time you laugh, take note if your mouth is closed while you do it.

If you have bad teeth, take one with your mouth closed but try to smize (smile with your eyes).

2. Insert *poop emoji* here

Don’t take a mirror (especially from the bathroom) or laying down selfie. JUST DON’T DO IT. It is tacky and it’s very difficult to take one showing your best side when it’s done this way. Ask a friend to do it for you.

3. Angles, angles, angles!

If you are going to take a selfie, make sure the camera is angled down and that you’re in good lighting. Capture a good angle. Experiment with different ones to find your best side.

4. If you had to get this picture developed…it’s too old

Use your current photos! I would get so upset when I would meet someone and realize that I expected someone 50 pounds lighter and 10 years younger. Using the photo might help you get in the door faster but the deceit will definitely leave a bad taste before the appetizer course.

5. Guess which one I am?

Don’t include anything else in the photo. Don’t include your pet cats, your ex-girlfriend, or your kids. Group shots are confusing where the person will be wondering which one are you. Remember. you are selling yourself here. Don’t let anything else distract your audience.

6. What does fried chicken have to do with it?

Choose up to 5 pictures with a mix showing your body and hobbies you might have. If you have 3 good pictures, don’t add a bad one because you think there is a quota. If the person swiping sees one bad picture, they may give up entirely.

Here are some food shots examples. Look at this delicious chicken.

It looks moist, crispy, and worth the 7,259 calories.

Now look at the same chicken in another light. Do you still want it?

7. Geez Janet, tell me how you really feel.

Most importantly, after you select the photos, PLEASE ask an honest friend to give you feedback. Don’t ask someone who will tell you you’re pretty after you wake up. You need someone who can give it to you straight.

Now, sign onto your OKCupid or Tinder and go through all of your pictures to see if they follow these rules. Your right swipes are depending on it.